Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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922.To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department will be prioritising the progression of any specific pieces of legislation prior to the Dáil summer recess; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24708/24]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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I have one piece of legislation that is being prioritised prior to the Summer recess, the Charities Amendment Bill, 2023.

The Charities Amendment Bill 2023 revises and updates existing charity legislation, and is a key step that needs to be implemented in order to allow for the appropriate regulation, particularly financial regulation, of the sector.

The Bill’s aim is to improve the ability of the Charities Regulator to conduct its statutory functions, providing greater transparency, clarity and fairness in terms of the regulation of charities, leading to greater public trust and confidence in the sector.

Our charity sector is an important and valued part of Irish society, playing an integral role in the provision of services to our communities. With over 11,500 charities on the Charities Register, the work of the Charities Regulator is also vitally important.

The Charities (Amendment) Bill 2023 was published on 22 December 2023. Stage two of the legislative process concluded on 25 January 2024, and the Bill recently completed Committee Stage on 22 May. The Bill is expected to proceed to Report Stage in Dáil Eireann in the very near future.

I look forward to continuing engagement with colleagues in both Houses of the Oireachtas, to enable the passage and enactment of this Bill as expeditiously as possible.